Comments on: Dear Author Does a Valentine’s Day News Article Round Up

By: ann vanrosevelt

ann vanrosevelt — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:21:57 +0000

I was born somewhere between Grace Livingston Hill , Ethel M. Dell (The Sheik) and Emilie Loring, with Mary Radcliffe somewhere in there, and I have mainly read romances since then. I think that it truly IS all about the relationships, and it really does reflect the changes in our relationships and the nature of our culture. I won’t say that’s why I read them, just that that is why I personally find it comfortable to read them. Times change, and we change in them.

By: snarkhunter

snarkhunter — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:35:08 +0000

I collect religious tracts (…what?) and my all-time favorite, which I keep on my desk, is all about how romance novels are ruining my life/chance at marriage/etc.

Glad to see Christianity Today hopping on that crazy train. /sarcasm

By: K. Z. Snow

K. Z. Snow — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:24:21 +0000

Hey, we make every day of the year Valentine’s Day–no flowers or chocolate or overpriced cards or teddy bears necessary, just a good imagination! (Didn’t see any dumbass media pundit saying that.)

By: MaryK

MaryK — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:45:32 +0000

I couldn't believe they posted that letter/story/whatever in Christianity Today. Did you notice on the same page the several ads for romance novels-they looked like Inspirational romance novels but still, can you say hypocrite? Anyway that poor woman has serious mental problems and how nice and easy to just blame it on the romance novels. Grrr. The lack of insight and logic amazes me. But I think it is just similar to some of the hoopla with the Harry Potter novels causing kids to believe in fantasy and lead them on the path to demon worship and witchcraft. I personally think some extreme sects of religion want complete mind control over their worshippers and want to ban any type of reading that makes someone think or give them personal worth or value.

I notice her husband’s ESPN addiction doesn’t seem to be a problem. I wonder if he has daddy issues.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:26:57 +0000

This is a really interesting article by Telegraph which suggests that Mills & Boon reflects society's mores/values but is inconclusive as to what reflection can be drawn from it currently.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:08:38 +0000

Don’t read the article dissing romance novels, just read the books and have fun….

I just finished reading one that took me to the pleasurable and seedy sides of sex – whew! It is about relationships, adventure and life's ups and downs..you can download an excerpt here.

A great read!

By: Jill A

Jill A — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:33:03 +0000

That National Post ‘article’ was awful, and to think this is a national (though not very respected) newspaper.

Books have traded virgin brides for sexually aggressive businesswomen.

The author obviously did not check out her local bookstore shelves, as virgin brides still have a strong presence in Harlequin titles. The author even mentions rape scenes from the 70′s, but there’s no acknowledgement that, hey, at least we don’t do those as much anymore…

And the glossary…I have no words. As if the use of similes and metaphors is a strange thing in literature? orz

By: Katiebabs

Katiebabs — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:28:38 +0000

Mr. Goodbars…. Hershey Kisses… peanut butter cups… eating my chocolate while reading scandalous books….

By: lisabea

lisabea — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:25:35 +0000

My mother in law always passes out last years candy on Halloween, Valentines Day, and Easter. It’s a tradition. That and not ever eating any candy my mother in law hands out. Just say no to Clark Bars.

By: lisabea

lisabea — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:11:50 +0000

Jeeze. I just like romances cuz they are entertaining. Who knew I was a desensitized unhappy unfulfilled ho-bag?

Wait. Don’t answer that.

By: Lorelie

Lorelie — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:06:37 +0000

Katie and all, be ware of eating traditional V-day chocolates this year. Just read stores are selling what didn't sell last year. Bleh.

Yet one more argument to go for the good stuff from a real candy store. . .

P.S.- I've worked for a drug-store chain . . . We never â€œresellâ€ last years stock when it comes to food/candy/eatables.

Shhh, I didn’t hear you. I’m gonna go buy expensive chocolate.

By: heather (errantdreams)

heather (errantdreams) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:46:27 +0000

The pic at the top is perfect, by the way!

Christianity Today put out an article about how to overcome your addiction to romances. It begins with the realization that romance novels fulfill a lack of intimacy in one's life.

I have one of the closest marriages I know of. We’ve been married for almost 7 years (together for 11 or 12) and are, if anything, closer than ever. And yet my enjoyment of romances indicates a lack of intimacy?! Nonsense. It’s about plain-old simple enjoyment. I enjoy romances for the happy-fuzzy ‘awww’ factor and the character interplay. I enjoy erotic romances for the heat and excitement.

Otherwise it would be like saying that when I read mysteries it indicates a dearth of murderers in my life. Or when I read horror it indicates a lack of necessary pain and misery.

By: KCfla

KCfla — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:37:02 +0000

I don’t read any of the V-Day romance articles either. I don’t need any more stress in my life.

P.S.- I’ve worked for a drug-store chain for almost 25 years ( yes- I AM crazy!) We never “resell” last years stock when it comes to food/candy/eatables. All the leftover stock is reduced after the holiday- or given to charity. No *fuzzy* stuff at our store!

By: Robin Bayne

Robin Bayne — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:59:41 +0000

Me too Katie, especially the dark “Special” bars!!

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:02:51 +0000

Hey Robin!
I can just imgaine going into my local drugstore and picking up last years chocolate hearts with mold growing on them.
I am more of a Hershey’s minatures type of gal. Mr. Goodbars…. yum.

By: Robin Bayne

Robin Bayne — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:59:31 +0000

Katie and all, be ware of eating traditional V-day chocolates this year. Just read stores are selling what didn’t sell last year. Bleh.

By: Belinda

Belinda — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:49:49 +0000

You neglected to mention that the National Post article has a glossary!

By: Jill Myles

Jill Myles — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:47:38 +0000

I hate how romance is equated with porn as well, as if we are all sitting around, getting our jollies off with every book we read.

And while I may read some books to get the jollies off, that’s not EVERY BOOK. Jeez.

I’ve actually had this argument with my husband before – I tell him romance is more ‘emotional porn’ than actual porn. I honestly don’t care if the book has a single solitary love scene…but I’d better get some emotional sort of gratification through it.

By: Jill Sorenson

Jill Sorenson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:41:07 +0000

Extra media attention is a good thing. Dismissive attitudes and snarky articles aside, what’s wrong with celebrating Romance on Valentine’s Day? Every time romance novels/authors are in the news, another skeptic could be converted into a fan.

By: Katiebabs

Katiebabs — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:37:39 +0000

I hate V day. For the past 8 years I have worn black on this horrible day.
But I do like chocolate and I will eat some on this black day. *G*
Yes, I have issues. :D
BTW Jane your cartoon is adorable.